Most recently read book by NZ author?

[Mike]

If you like Jasper Fforde, you may also enjoy Paul Mannering's Engines of Empathy. It's odd, in a good way, and doesn't go where I expected it to.

[Roumiana]

The English translation of a travel memoir by a Kiwi author of Bulgarian origin just came out. It's available on Amazon under author Izabela Shopova and title East In Eden. I've read both the original Bulgarian version and the English translation, and highly recommend the book. It chronicles the transplantation of Izabela's family to New Zealand in the best tradition of immigrant, travel, and adventure literature. The writing is smart and funny, and like a true Kiwi, Izabela never tires of talking about New Zealand weather.

[Izabela]

Kapka Kassabova's "Twelve minutes of love".
I generally read anything Kapka writes, but this book I particularly enjoyed. It is based on her personal experience, mixed with the history and mystery of the tango. Beautifully written, passionate, very personal. A must read for anyone who loves tango and anyone who has ever felt nostalgic, lonely, out of place.

[Craig]

Have read several kiwi books lately, including two very good debuts, The Fixer by John Daniell, a drama set in French rugby, and Something is Rotten by Adam Sarafis. Julie Thomas's Blood, Wine & Chocolate was also a fun read.

[Craig]

I'm currently reading The Mark of Halam by Thomas Ryan, the second in his Jeff Bradley series. Bradley is a former NZ SAS soldier who's now a winemaker but gets pulled into international intrigue. I was very pleasantly surprised by the first book last year, The Field of Blackbirds, which took me back to teenage days of reading Alistair McLean, Tom Clancy, and Desmond Bagley - just with a modern, Kiwi twists. Well worth a read for those who like action/adventure, geopolitical thrillers, crime thrillers etc.

[Linda]

Sounds good Craig, I seem to be stuck on endless rehashes of the Girl on the Train, everyone seems to copying the style of many views many time frames, although I did enjoy The Widow by Fiona Barton. Last good NZ book I read was American Blood.

[Kerry]

I've just read Pallet On The Floor by Ronald Hugh Morrieson and Lovelock by James McNeish.

I have American Blood on audio from the library and hope to get to it soon.
The Field of Blackbirds sounds interesting, must find out more about it.

[CK]

I'm glad I stumbled upon this group. The recommendations of Kiwi authors/books are exactly what I was looking for. I am a fiction editor, and I've recently moved from the Albuquerque (US) to Auckland. Sampling the local writing is as important as my introduction to Ollie's ice cream. Thanks, everyone.

[P.D.R.]

Really enjoyed Dinah Holman's historical murder mystery

[Craig]

Currently reading Double-edged Sword: The Simonne Butler Story by Simonne Butler, a memoir by one of the real-life victims of Antoine Dixon, the infamous 'samurai sword' attack back in 2003. Harrowing, raw, but inspiring too. Lots about domestic violence and survival/healing/recovery.

Before that I'd read In Dark Places: The Confessions of Teina Pora and an Ex-Cop's Fight for Justice by Michael Bennett, an outstanding Kiwi true crime book that reads like a gripping thriller. Heartily recommend that 5-star read.

[Rita]

I don't know if you accept non New Zealanders but, I read a great deal, ARCs mainly but, I am always happy to say I like the way the Kiwi's write! As, I have 5 authors I routinely review for but out of those 5, three are from NZ. Serenity Woods, Tracey Alvarez and Kris Pearson and I have also, picked up some more in Auckland. I have never been disappointed in the writing either.i have reviewed & read 82 books this year.
We (my family) went to NZ over Christmas and had a great time plus, there were 3 generations, 4 of them teenagers and we visited Queenstown, Mount
Cook and Christchurch. On the way home (So. Cal) we stopped at the Cook Islands, Rarotonga.
My husband and I had been there in 2003, staying at Bs & Bs which allowed us to meet their wonderful people. That time we traveled from 100 mile beach to Stewart Island. I love the USA but as you say you live in a wonderful country, beautiful countryside, lovely towns and the people who are blunt but, would do anything for you!
You authors are hidden asset for the country!

[Craig]

Just finished The Sound of Her Voice by Nathan Blackwell, which is a debut thriller from a former police detective who did covert operations (so writing under a pseudonym). It's a punchy, one-sitting read that is really good. A cop's descent into darkness as a whole lot of cases pile up over the years. Set in and around Auckland, especially north and west. Good stuff. Look forward to more from that author.

[Kirsten]

The last book by a Kiwi author I read was Screwed for Money by Andrene Low. The third one in her retro fiction Excess Baggage series. I also read the prequel novella she's giving away to her newsletter subscribers - Smashed Nuts: Prequel - Excess Baggage Series.
Andrene's humour is golden, and if you spent some of your more entertaining years in the 70s, then these books are perfect!

[Linda]

I recently read Killer Harvest by Paul Cleave. A bit different from his usual novels but enjoyable none the less. A young blind teen is given his fathers eyes upon his fathers untimely death. His father was a cop and he and his partner weren't exactly squeaky clean. Also having his eyes donated to organ transplants, is the criminal whose death caused the death of the cop. Due to an accident the teen ends up with one eye from each person, and those eyes have memories. Gripping stuff.

[Abbey]

I have just finished reading The Man Who Ate Lincoln Road by Steve Braunias. I have reviewed it at https://bookbloggernz.blogspot.co.nz/...

[Craig]

Linda wrote: "I recently read Killer Harvest by Paul Cleave. A bit different from his usual novels but enjoyable none the less. A young blind teen is given his fathers eyes upon his fathers untimely death. His f..."

I really enjoyed this one too. Cleave is such a clever storyteller.

[Brin]

Kia ora fellow Kiwis

Well, I have a book due for publication 17th October.
It was agented by Sheilland of London but Ian couldn’t sell the story – the big 5 have turned against dystopian he said – so I’ve decided to go Indie.
Going for the international market here on Goodreads, cos sorry it’s nothing much to do with NZ – at least not overtly: in truth a lot of the landscape is really here – the beautiful South Island.
It’s a page-turning thriller, kind of YA but so far most people who’ve loved it have been adults.
If anyone would like a free copy pm or message me on brin.t.murray@gmail.com. If you like it, I’d love a review and owe you a beer or two! If you don’t – then just delete and no harm done!!
Thanks, brin
PS Here's a blurb:
Dark, powerful and heartbreaking, Children Of The Furnace compels with a uniquely stunning world and one of the greatest characters you’ll ever be afraid for.
Under the iron rule of the Revelayshun, one boy discovers the truth…

[Brin]

And the last book I read by an NZ author was Black River by C.K. Stead - hardly ever read poetry but had to for a course (creative writing at NMIT) and was glad I did - it's quite sad but also brilliant, perceptive, moving and profound I think. Highly recommend if you're feeling resilient but don't read in a public place - you may shed a tear or two